Major Peter Parkes

Brian Grant

Russel Gray

Gary Cutt

James Gourlay

Howard Snell

Other

With the areas fast approaching and the stakes being high in many regions for a trip to the Nationals I was wondering who you'd all want to be taking your band and Why?
Pedigree, Stick technique, Band training ability, musicality...the list is endless.

I realise that this is not an exhaustive list but it should get the ball rolling.

Of course there are many fine residents out there that will do a tremendous job along with many well known conductors not mentioned here.

Can you add another category for "the conductor we've already got" please?! I'm a bit sceptical about bringing in pros for the contests - if someone works hard with the band day in day out, knows everyopne's strengths and weaknesses and gets good results, then it ain't broke and don't need fixing (imho!!)!

Well, I've gone for the guy we already have conducting us - Garry Cutt. Having played under quite a few of the names on the list, I wouldn't change for any of them. All good conductors, but Garry is a superb band trainer and his working relationship with the band is superb.

Can you add another category for "the conductor we've already got" please?! I'm a bit sceptical about bringing in pros for the contests - if someone works hard with the band day in day out, knows everyopne's strengths and weaknesses and gets good results, then it ain't broke and don't need fixing (imho!!)!

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Absolutely, Accidental (Having heard your band's CD, I'd say it ain't broke so definitely no need to fix it!,) but even though I'll be playing in the 4th section, there might be be some value in having one of the 'bigguns' come along to a rehearsal, but the conductor you've appointed knows the players strengths and weaknesses (and our one has got to disappoint a few by telling them they're not playing as we have too many players, not a pleasant task!).

Hypothetically, if our band had a vacancy, then from this list... well they're all great but I'd plump for Howard Snell, who I think is largely responsible for the improvement in technique and musical awareness of our top brass bands over the past 25 years, but realistically, given our current situation, then I wouldn't swap our MD at all! (That'll be two pints of Guinness for that plug, McLaughlin..... ;-)

Maybe add an 'other' option to the poll so tMPers can vote for conductors that aren't on the list.
I'd stick with the one we've got (Billy Rushworth), probably because he'd hit me if i said anyone else and he'd stop buying me beer!! :shock:

Maybe add an 'other' option to the poll so tMPers can vote for conductors that aren't on the list.
I'd stick with the one we've got (Billy Rushworth), probably because he'd hit me if i said anyone else and he'd stop buying me beer!! :shock:

Can you add another category for "the conductor we've already got" please?! I'm a bit sceptical about bringing in pros for the contests - if someone works hard with the band day in day out, knows everyopne's strengths and weaknesses and gets good results, then it ain't broke and don't need fixing (imho!!)!

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If you get chance to read this weeks edition of the British Bandsman there's an interesting article about the subject of Resident and Professional conductors. - well worth a read.

I know I've already gone for Garry Cutt, but here would be my choices, in order:
1. Garry Cutt - see earlier post
2. Alan Withington - a glaring omission from the list in my mind, a superb musician and his Nationals record is excellent.
3. Howard Snell - one of the best band trainers going and can produce some of the most exciting contest performances on stage (Year of the Dragon at the Euros with Britannia is a prime example!)
4. James Gourlay - Always brings something a bit different to the music, and his rehearsals always amuse me.

I've only really made my decisions based on conductors I have played under. I don't think I can really make a decision about ones I haven't. This is why most people wouldn't swap the conductors they have I suppose... but be hypothetical people! Otherwise the thread'll be pump and may as well be called "Who conducts your band!"